Planning Our Future

(I would like to begin with a shout out to my soul sister Jordan because she suggested I share my thoughts on this topic.) The other night we were getting dinner and talking about growing up, looking for careers, future places we would like to live, and everything that goes with that. Because the reality is life is FULL of uncertainty and sometimes it requires that we make some major changes. Sometimes those can be really exciting and sometimes they can be super scary. (Honestly a lot of times, they seem to be both.) But how do we know that we are doing what God’s will is for our lives?

The Bible is packed with all sorts of wonderful verses of wisdom and encouragement, but there are no specific verses with our names in them telling us exactly who and where we are supposed to be in our lives. There is no chapter or verse with your name in it explaining God’s perfect plan for you. So how do we know when we are making the right decisions?

My mom’s rule always has been as long as it is not illegal or in direct contradiction with the Bible and we have really prayed about it, there’s nothing really to say if something is or isn’t God’s plan is for us. Because on the one hand yes, we do serve an all-powerful and all-knowing God and He knows us better than we know ourselves so of course He has a pretty good idea of where we are best fit in this world. But we also have the gift of free will. God wants us to explore the world around us and to seek to know ourselves and ultimately Him in a deep personal way. As long as you are not flat out disobeying God, you are free to make your own choices! (I mean you can choose to disobey God but I wouldn’t recommend that.) Now because He knows what is best for us, He does want us to seek His plan for us. Because that is where we will find our most joy and fulfillment. God gave us our specific list of gifts and abilities to help us find our niche but I believe we have the chance to figure out all the details on our own.

Let’s be for real: in a very literal sense, does the Bible say that it matters whether you live in Michigan or California? Um nope, at least in my Bible it doesn’t. Maybe your translation is different. Lemme tell you what mine says though. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Does God say that it maters whether you go to FSU or UF? No! (Actually, it does matter. Don’t go to UF.) But we are called to go be salt and light wherever we live. Wherever we work. With whomever we marry. With the way we act and the words we say and the things we do.

So of course, seek God and ask for His help when you are searching for the answers. Don’t think you can do life without Him. Because He will be quick to remind you that you can’t. But if you feel a peace about your decision, go for it! God’s not going to send you a DM with your life laid out for you. Strive to live your life in a way that honors Him. Use your talents to glorify Him. Surround yourself with people who can encourage you to make good decisions. And the rest will fall into place!